Sarah Hammer to represent U.S. at Track Cycling World Championships

Sarah Hammer (Temecula, Calif./OUCH Pro Cycling) has been selected as the lone representative for the United States at the 2013 UCI Track World Championships in Minsk, Belarus, Feb. 20-24.

“After the London Games, our coaching staff and myself took the opportunity to take a step back, take a hard look at the changing landscape within the new ‘Track Structure’ put forth by the UCI, reviewed our current crop of athletes within our own pathways, as well as spent the necessary time to do a comprehensive competitive analysis of our competitors and the athletes within their programs,” said USA Cycling Vice President of Athletics Jim Miller. “We have several disciplines on the track that we have identified as potential medal opportunities for us. We have already begun to build and develop programs around those changes and the opportunities that exist. I am confident that we can again replicate, if not surpass, the success we and our track athletes enjoyed in London.”

Hammer is a four-time world track champion and became the first American woman to win three medals at a track world championships when she accomplished the feat in 2011. She won a bronze medal in the women’s omnium at last year’s world championships and followed that up with two silver medals at the London Olympic Games — one in the omnium and one in the women’s team pursuit.

“Sarah is an incredibly gifted, exceptional athlete with a massive work ethic,” .added Miller “She is a fierce competitor. Sarah has a grueling schedule planned for the 2013 UCI Track World Championships, but I imagine she will exceed even her own expectations.”

Hammer will compete in the omnium, scratch race and individual pursuit at the upcoming world championships in Belarus.